Motivational partnerships: increasing ESL student self-efficacy

Abstract The present study investigated the relationship between student use of self-efficacy-building strategies through motivational partnerships and student levels of self-efficacy and motivation in an adult intensive English programme in the United States. The extent to which self-efficacy influenced motivation was also examined. After being organized into these partnerships and receiving self-efficacy-building strategy training from the participating teacher, 16 ESL students had their pre- and post-levels of self-efficacy and motivation measured. Additionally, students discussed the effectiveness of the partnerships on their learning experience. Results show significant correlations between student use of self-efficacy-building strategies and improvement in both their self-efficacy and motivation. The results also reaffirm that significant self-efficacy levels enhance motivation. Lastly, the partnerships benefited students in other social, affective, and educational ways.